Movable Code Carrier for Electronic Shelf Label Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) face challenges in managing large numbers due to inaccessible machine-readable codes, which hinder scanning and lead to errors in product identification and customer experience, especially when codes are positioned in unfavorable locations or obscured by other objects.
Innovation Solution
An electronic display device with a movable code carrier that carries the machine-readable code, allowing it to be positioned for easy scanning, even when the device is placed in difficult locations, and includes a human-readable code on the code carrier to redirect static information from the screen, ensuring the code is always accessible and reducing scanning errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine-readable code is printed directly onto the housing of the ESL, then the code is always visible, but the code is often not accessible and cannot be scanned when the ESL is placed close to other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The code carrier is separated from the main housing into an independent, movable component that can be positioned separately. This segmentation allows the code to be accessible for scanning while the housing maintains its structural integrity and design freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The code carrier is designed to be movable relative to the housing, transitioning between a retracted position (for aesthetic purposes) and an extended position (for scanning accessibility). This dynamic element resolves the contradiction between always being visible and being accessible for scanning.
2Reliability
If the machine-readable code is displayed with the aid of the screen of the ESL, then the code is accessible, but the appearance is negatively influenced and the code is not available in case of screen malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The machine-readable code is extracted from the screen display function and placed on a separate code carrier. This ensures the code remains accessible and available even when the screen malfunctions, while the screen can focus solely on displaying product information.
Solution Approach 2:
The code carrier acts as an intermediary component that provides the machine-readable code independently of the screen. This intermediary ensures code availability and accessibility without relying on the screen's operational status.
3Ease of operation
If the machine-readable code is positioned in the field of view of potential customers, then the code is visible, but scanning errors occur because the code relates to the electronic display device rather than the product
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the code carrier have different orientations: the machine-readable code is positioned on the rear side facing away from the front, while the front side may display human-readable information. This local differentiation ensures the code is visible to customers but positioned to avoid scanning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the machine-readable code on the front side for maximum visibility, it is inverted to the rear side. This ensures the code remains visible for identification while being positioned to prevent accidental scanning by customers, as scanners are typically held in specific orientations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic display device for displaying product and/or price information, said device being designed to display a machine-readable code and having a housing. The invention is characterized in that the electronic display device has a code carrier which can be moved relative to the housing and which has the machine-readable code.